There is a sweet new spot in town. Paletería Chiva Loka, recently opened by Karen and José Cabrera, offers a delicious array of ice creams and desserts inspired by Mexican flavors. Karen, a local native, has fond childhood memories of helping her mother run beloved West Liberty ice cream shops like Country Cone Factory and Cookies. Now, she’s continuing the family tradition with a shop of her own.
Karen’s vision for Paletería Chiva Loka was to create a welcoming space where people can enjoy unique, high-quality desserts and snacks. She spent months researching flavors and prioritizing fresh, natural ingredients. With a commitment to authenticity, she sources flavorings from a Mexican company and uses an old-fashioned, churn-style ice cream machine imported from Mexico. For Karen and José, offering a taste of Mexico in West Liberty’s diverse community has been deeply rewarding. When customers walk in and their faces light up with excitement at finding ice cream flavors that remind them of their home country, it means everything to the owners.
You are in for an amazing treat at the Paletería Chiva Loka because you will have 24 ice cream flavors to pick from. Customer favorites include Eggnog, Dragonfruit, Passion Fruit, Gansito, Pistachio, Mango, Mamey, and Pecan. Seasonal offerings like Pumpkin Spice add an exciting twist, and the upcoming holiday flavors promise even more surprises.
But the shop isn’t just about ice cream. Customers can enjoy other Mexican-inspired treats like biónicos (a dessert of chopped fruit, creamy dressing, and toppings), strawberries and cream, and esquites (Mexican-style corn). Traditional desserts like banana splits also come with a fun twist: the Gansito Split, which replaces bananas with Gansitos—Mexico’s iconic strawberry jelly and cream-filled cakes coated in chocolate and sprinkles.
The vibrant decor and friendly atmosphere of Paletería Chiva Loka make it a fun, family-friendly spot. The barstool and table seating allow visitors to relax and enjoy their treats on-site, though takeout is always an option. Karen and José worked hard to remodel the space, and their dedication shines in every detail.
When asked about her favorite treat, Karen admits it’s hard to choose. Among her top picks are Ferrero Rocher, Dragonfruit, Strawberry, Pistachio, and Triple Berry ice creams, as well as fresas con crema (strawberries and cream) and esquites.
Make your way to Paletería Chiva Loka at 203 E Maxson Ave, right next to La Chiva Loka restaurant and the BP gas station. The shop is open Tuesday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Follow them on Facebook or call (319) 627-4480 for updates and more information.
Whether you’re craving a classic scoop, a unique Mexican dessert, or a creative seasonal flavor, Paletería Chiva Loka is the place to be. Stop by and discover your new favorite treat!